IC 2024. Though it may seem like forever, it's coming up soon, and before you know it, you'll be in Orlando with thousands of teens from all across the world for so much fun and to make so many memories. Oh, it's your first time going on IC? Well, there are some things you should know. IC is going to be so much fun, especially because this is BBYO's 100th year, but that doesn't mean you won't be stressed out. There are so many people, with so much to do and see that it can be a lot for everyone, even staff! This isn't like your regional convention, and I'm here to explain why. 

First, getting there. Like a lot of people, you might have to take a flight to get to Orlando, and my first recommendation is to fly with people you know. It can be hard to navigate the airport to a shuttle that brings you to the convention center, and it's so much easier when you have a travel buddy. Once you get to the center, you will have to wait in line. There are a lot. A lot of lines look longer than they actually are, but the first line you will go on is to sign in. There, you will get your lanyard that you need to bring with you everywhere, your bracelet, and any info you might need. Stay calm in these lines; they are super important throughout all of IC; whether you're getting food, going up to your hotel room, getting items from the shuk, trying to meet your favorite celebrity, or anything else, expect them to be long. That is completely normal as we are such a big organization with amazing people, so while in the line, talk to the person behind you and make new friends! 

Now that you're in your hotel room and want to know what to do next, get the Cvent app on your phone. This will have the entire schedule with all of the options for everything, whether it's different Shabbat, songs, or special events, and there will be a lot. IC is amazing in that way, where you can find so many different things to do, which can facilitate new friendships! For example, I went to a Harry Styles and Taylor Swift one and had so much fun and even met a new friend! Next, of course, you will need your items from the shuk! At IC, the shuk is open most of the time. You can go whenever during the 5 days, and bring more money than you think you'll need because I, and the BBYO flag on my wall, can testify that I bought the entire store last year. 

Next, feelings of being overwhelmed. Trust me, I've been there. One of my favorite rooms at IC was the quiet room with fidgets, things to draw, and very low lighting. There are so many wellness specialists as well who are amazing, so don't wait to reach out to them if anything is going on. My favorite parts from IC were meeting new friends from all over the world and being able to experience new things such as so many Jewish cultures from all around the world, workshops where, in one, I learned a lot about theater and acting, and even meeting my favorite influencers and singers! 

Lastly, making the most out of the very short 5 days. The biggest message I have is to just really have fun. Do what you want to do, even if all your friends are going somewhere and you want to go somewhere else. Go to that oneg, talk to that new person, sit at that table, and try out everything you want to do. I know that when I did, I made new friends that I can't wait to see in February and run up to them and hug them. IC is so short, so why waste it not doing what you want to do? This is IC 100, and there's no better time to make new connections and try new things than now.